It’s was 15 years ago Thursday, when.Stephanie Stewart vanished from her wildfire lookout tower near Hinton, Ab..There has been no sign of the then 70-year-old since and the RCMP is issuing another appeal for anyone who might have any information to come forward..On that fateful day, when Stewart didn’t respond to a morning radio check-in, coworkers contacted police to report her missing..“Initially first responders thought Stephanie may have been a victim of a predatory animal attack,” said RCMP Cpl. Teri-Ann Bakker..“A conservation officer with Alberta Fish and Wildlife, also an expert in animal attacks, attended the scene and searched for some tell tale signs of an animal attack, such as animal hair, prints and scat. An animal attack was quickly ruled out.”.RCMP Major Crime detectives and forensic investigators examined the scene and determined Stewart had been murdered..Blood was found on the steps and a boiling pot of water was on the stove..“Alberta RCMP’s Historical Homicide Unit (HHU) remains dedicated to this ongoing police investigation into Stephanie’s disappearance,” said Bakker..“Alberta RCMP resources continue working in partnership with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and civilian search and rescue teams in hopes of locating Stephanie and other missing persons..“Investigators have nothing further to report at this time, however, RCMP believe there are people who know what happed to Stephanie and would like to speak with them.”.HHU and Hinton RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance to report any information in relation to this incident (or identifying those responsible). Please contact Hinton RCMP at 780-865-2455, or your local police. .Stewart was about 5-ft. 2-ins and weighed approximately 105 lbs. She had chin-length grey hair and blue eyes..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
